 |
Experimentation and risk-taking are normal parts of growing up. Children and adolescents frequently test the limits of authority and sometimes even expose themselves to danger in the search for new experiences. Often this search for novelty involves drugs and alcohol.
Deeper and more complicated forces can also drive young people to use substances. They may be bored or emotionally stressed, or they may use drugs as a way of showing their independence or fitting in with their peers.
From an adult perspective, it may seem that young people drink and take drugs simply because they don't know enough about the negative consequences of this behaviour. In the past, programs aimed at preventing substance use problems among young people relied heavily on classroom lessons about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Yet, despite being armed with this knowledge, many young people continue their experimental use of drugs and some move on to dependency.
 |
|
|
|
|
Substance use patterns of Canadian youth
|
|
|
|
|
The most commonly used substances among youth are alcohol, tobacco and cannabis (marijuana, hash, hash oil).
Increases in cannabis use throughout the 1990s have been reported in a number of provinces as well as in a recent national survey.
Ecstasy use increased eightfold among Ontario students between 1993 and 1999.
Since the early 1990s, there has been a general increase in the percentage of students reporting current use of more than one substance, including use of multiple illicit substances.
Generally, the first use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis by students appears to be occurring at a later age than in the past.
Most indicators also point to an increase in the amount of frequent drinking during the 1990s.
Some provinces report an increase in the percentage of students who engage in heavy drinking episodes (five or more drinks per occasion)
There are indications that school drop-outs and those at risk of leaving school are either at higher risk for substance abuse, or are already regular or heavy users.
Young males are more likely than young females to engage in "riskier" forms of substance abuse.
|
|
|
|
|
Today, experts can draw on a far greater range of research-based "best practices" when designing drug prevention programs. For example, we now recognize that a young person's perception of reality - including their notions of risk and harm - can differ dramatically from that of an adult. Successful prevention practitioners have learned to work from that youthful perspective and to involve young people in the development of prevention programming.
Addictions professionals have also observed that some young people seem more "resilient" than others to situations that can lead to drug use and other problems. Resilient children are generally more competent socially, have better problem-solving abilities, and show a greater sense of independence and purpose. Experts have identified "protective factors" that increase the likelihood a child will make a successful transition into adulthood. These include a sense of being cared for and supported, being subject to high expectations, and having opportunities to participate meaningfully in family, school or community life.
Another prevention principle that has emerged strongly in recent years is harm reduction. This approach makes sense when a person cannot or will not stop using substances. Rather than abandoning or punishing them, parents and others working with these young people are encouraged to speak respectfully and frankly with them about possible risks and ways to minimize those risks. Examples of ways to reduce harm with teens that are currently using include:
Recognizing that basic needs for food and safe shelter have to be addressed before street-youth can address their drug-taking;
identifying and discouraging dangerous or unhealthy practices, such as driving or playing sports after using, "chugging" or "bingeing", engaging in unplanned sex after using, studying or working after using, and using and sharing needles;
raising the awareness level of regular and heavy users of the risk of dependence and long-term problems associated with these levels of use; and
increasing awareness of resources available for those motivated to reduce or quit use and supporting access to services.
Even those of us who don't claim to be prevention experts know that when children enter their teenage years, peer pressure can become stronger than parental influence in determining their behaviour. Yet, parents and caregivers still have an important role to play. The resources listed here can help parents and professionals alike to understand and prevent adolescent substance use problems. Maintaining an open and respectful dialogue with young people is the first step.
Best advice for youth programs
Problem gambling and youth
As the popularity of legalized gambling grows, the rate of problem gambling among young people in Canada is increasing. Research indicates that more than 65% of young people engage in some form of gambling and young people are three to four times more likely than adults to develop a gambling problem. Certain forms of gambling such as video lottery terminals (VLTs) are particularly attractive to a generation that has grown up playing video games. Click here for more information about youth problem gambling.
Is my child on drugs?
If you have teenaged children, you may worry about them being exposed to alcohol or illicit drugs. You may even suspect that they have started to use drugs. Your child may display certain physical signs or behavioural changes that could point to drug use, but bear in mind that some of these indicators could also be associated with illness or depression. It is important to consider all possibilities before taking action to ensure the safety and well being of your child. In recent years, a number of products and services have come onto the market that are intended for use by parents to determine whether their children
are using drugs. Parents who are concerned about their child's safety and well-being should think carefully about whether the use of such tests is appropriate or warranted. Are there less intrusive ways to find out about your child's experience with drugs? Research shows that people will provide accurate information about their drug use if asked in a respectful and non-threatening way. Before you decide on any course of action regarding possible drug use by your child, you may want to refer to the following links. These provide valuable advice written by addictions professionals on how to talk to your child about drugs and alcohol.
| Opening Doors
This successful in-school prevention program uses a variety of "best practices" to reduce or eliminate negative behaviour - including substance abuse - among higher-risk Ontario students in their transition years (Grade 8-10) who agree to participate. Students who are having problems with grades, with school relationships or attendance are invited to join the program.
The aim of the program is to help students develop personal and social skills to enhance their school experience, and relationships with peers, teachers and parents. They learn to manage stress and anger, set and attain goals, make decisions, and resist negative peer pressure. In the process, they develop more positive attitudes toward school and a greater sense of self-esteem.
Parents of the selected students  attend separate sessions whose goal is to foster a home environment where parents support and reinforce their children's school experience and their efforts to change their lifestyle. Improved parent-child interactions and better management of behavioural problems are among the expected outcomes of this 10-week program.
Opening Doors was developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto.
1-800-661-1111 |
References for this article
Parent information series
Take Action: Preventing alcohol and other drug problems in your family
Simple Messages for Parents
Prescription Drugs and Youth
How do I talk to my teen about drugs and alcohol?
From the Canadian Health Network
Other resources
Student drug use surveys
Nova Scotia Student Drug Use 2002
Manitoba youth gambling behaviour: follow-up to the 1999 AFM report
New Brunswick Student Drug Use Survey 2002
Prevention: Taking Stock
Reference
Preventing Substance Use Problems Among Young People: A Compendium of Best Practices, prepared by Gary Roberts, Douglas McCall, Andrea Stevens Lavigne, Jim Anderson, Angela Paglia, Sandy Bollenbach, Jamie Wiebe and Louis Gliksman published by Canada's Drug Strategy Division, Health Canada at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/pubs/adp-apd/prevent/index_e.html.
|
This article was prepared by CHN's 
